Over the last few years, people all around the world have been flocking to lakes, oceans and rivers in record numbers to get in on the SUP action.
A big draw of SUP is that it’s very accessible. With a range of boards for people of all shapes and sizes, it’s a sport anyone can do.
While it’s certainly popular among the fitness and leisure crowd, what you may not know is that SUP is a full-on professional sport, complete with grueling competitions and world-class sponsored athletes.
It wasn’t long after the advent of stand up paddleboarding that SUP events emerged, and they’ve been growing in number and calibre ever since. According to SUP Magazine, there’s an event somewhere in the world almost every week of the year.
As stand up paddle boarding gains converts – thanks to the simplicity and accessibility of the sport – it stands to reason that these events should grow up around it, bringing people together to learn, compete, watch the action and have fun.
In just two weeks’ time, Phuket will once again welcome some of the world’s finest paddleboard professionals as it plays host to the 4th Thailand SUP Invitational, Thailand’s biggest Stand Up Paddle event.
Taking place at the Bliss Beach Club on Saturday 5th March, the one-day event will include a six kilometre Elite race, as well as a shorter Sprint competition.
Alongside the serious contests, the day will see dozens of local businesses – including some of Phuket’s best-loved bars and restaurants – battle it out against one another in a relay race between several of the smaller islands dotted along the shore.
Once the racing has finished, competitors and spectators will be able to enjoy an evening of music, markets, food and drink, before the whole day is finished off with an after-party at the Bliss Beach Club itself.
Combining an oversized surfboard with an extra-long canoe paddle, like its name suggests SUP is paddling while standing up. Fun, easy to learn and a full body workout SUP continues to be one of the fastest growing water sports.
Race categories:
• Elite 6 km including 100m beach run after each lap (All competitors race together in one heat)
• Sprint 200m (top 3 competitors of each heat will moves through to the final)
• Family (2 people on 1 board) 200m
• Under-16s 200m (top 3 competitors of each heat will move through to the final)
• Team Relay (3 people including 1 female) paddling 200m each
Registration:
1. Register and pay now = B1,200
2. Register now and pay on race day = B1,500
3. Child rate (under 16) = B999 / child
4. Race only = B600 / person (race entry only)
Registration fee includes:
Entry info all race categories, use of brand-new Starboard race boards, T-shirt, 1 free drink and Gourmet Beach BBQ at presentation dinner.
Please note: for competing in the Elite category, contestants must provide their own boards. If competitors need to rent a board for this Elite race, please inform us when registering. There are limited boards available for this race and priority will be given to early registrations.
To register simply Email: tim@standupprojects.com or go to https://paddleguru.com/races/4thThailandSUPFestival
You can follow all the action on our facebook / instagram pages.
Any questions please contact event director Tim Campbell at 082-5193 282
Bring on the fun!
* "Longtail Paddle Surf", (SE Asia's Premier SUP Shop) Major Sponsor
* "Starboard SUP" Official Board Sponsor
* "Emedia Asia" Online Media Partner
* "island Tribe", "GoPro" & "The Phuket News" Official Partners